Risk factors of pneumonia

Risk factors

Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain groups do have a higher risk. These groups include:

• infants from birth to 2 years old
• people ages 65 and older
• people with weakened immune systems due to: 
  • pregnancy
  • HIV 
  • the use of certain medications, such as steroids or certain cancer drugs
• people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as: 
  • asthma
  • cystic fibrosis
  • diabetes
  • COPD 
  • heart failure
  • sickle cell disease
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
• people who’ve been recently or are currently hospitalized, particularly if they were or are on a ventilator
• people who’ve had a brain disorder, which can affect the ability to swallow or cough, such as: 
  • stroke
  • head injury
  • dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
• people who’ve been regularly exposed to lung irritants, such as air pollution and toxic fumes, especially on the job 
• people who live in a crowded living environment, such as a prison or nursing home
• people who smoke, which makes it more difficult for the body to get rid of mucus in the airways
• people who use drugs or drink heavy amounts of alcohol, which weakens the immune system and increases the odds of inhaling saliva or vomit into the lungs due to sedation.